"Oh! But why?" she could not help it by asking him the reason why he did that.

"Excuse me?"

"Why did you 'do' it?" he shrugged.

"I think we do have, uhmmm... partly same reason to only have a child or children perhaps, but not in the same way. Yours I think is more personal, mine is just for future use, I apologize for the term, but only to have some heir or heirs to inherit what I acc.u.mulated in this mundane life."

After hearing a piece of his reason, she never asked anymore but made a decision that hour and there's no one could stop her. Her tough, resolute side took over. Realizing what an incomplete fool she has been by showing off her vulnerability to the people and to this man.

'Why did I let somebody else see my helplessness? My son's life and future are at stake. My career, my family are at stake! I could not allow it.'

In a spur of the moment she declared: "Okay let's go together!"

....

Clint and Helen Briggs were at the airport waiting for the Howards to arrive any moment.

"I am excited for the outcome for this step, Clint." Helen feels giddy at the thought.

"Hmm, but don't celebrate yet. We don't know what John thinks as of now, that friend of mine is surely unpredictable and stubborn man most of the time." John said shaking his head yet smiling.

"Same as you," Helen softly laughed. "...but did you call your son about their arrival?" Helen remembered.

"Yup, I already did earlier and he said that he will just tell it to Ingrid later. How I wish that these issues will turn into good." The old man sighed. "We could only pray for the best, tomorrow will be a long day for all of us."

"But, sorry to say this, I think Lance is not fit to be here. I mean, he has no business with this right?" Helen's voice is full of suspicion. Clint did not respond and kept the thought to himself.

Then the Howards arrived with Lance McNaught, they were led to a VVIP route and no one noticed their arrival. The limousine was on standby where the Briggs' waited.

They silently left the airport and went directly to Guinevere Hotel, where they would meet with Clifford, Ingrid and Clark later that day.

The Briggs suggested the party to take their rest first. They accompanied Lance to his suite and then the Howards. But then, instead of resting, John stopped Clint.

"Let's have a talk again. Privately." The women were left and the two proceeded to the CEO's office.

Gary fell asleep because he had not rested even in one bit. He was awaken by the sound of the elevator opening and hastily stood up as if he is ready at any command his master will utter.

"Good evening, Master Briggs, Master Howard." He opened the door for them.

"See to it that no one bothers us." Clint ordered.

"Yes, Master, as you say." It is as if someone may intrude them in this wee hour.

"I could never really grasp these people. I need some rest, too." He mumbled to himself but never complained. He is paid more than enough for the work but the responsibility he has wearying him today.

....

Early in the morning, Ingrid woke up energized. She called Daisy asking her about the situation at her home.

"The reporters are no longer around. But there are still calling us here, non-stop. The company are now surrounded by security." Daisy informed.

"How about Clark's school?"

"Ahh, I would advice Ma'am not to let Clark go there for now, they are bugging the school, too. Thankfully, the school closed their doors to the media."

"Oh thank goodness!" Ingrid heard a soft knock. "Ok, I'll call you later."

She opened the door and saw Clifford look refres.h.i.+ng. A half smile could be seen.

"I presume you still had a good dawn sleep?" she stiffened at the sound of his voice.

"Ahh, ye-yes. Is there anything you want?" she shrugged, hiding her awkwardness.